Takafumi Kido (JPN/Yokohama OSC) claimed back to back events to take the FISTF May Satellite.
The event was held in Minami-Ashigara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and featured only the Open category.
In the semifinals, Kido narrowly defeated Belgian player Stéphane Lambert (BEL/Yokoahma OSC) in a close 2–1 match. In the other semifinal, Taichi Kato (JPN/Yokohama OSC) faced off against Kenzo Koi (JPN/Yokohama OSC). The first half remained scoreless, but once Taichi struck on a counterattack, the momentum shifted dramatically. He went on to claim a convincing 3–0 victory.
The final between Takafumi and Taichi delivered plenty of drama. Takafumi took an early lead with two goals in the first half, but Taichi showed great determination, clawing back with two goals of his own in the second half to level the match. With no winner emerging in extra time, the match went to a shootout. There, Takafumi held his nerve and secured a 2–0 victory in the shootout.
With this win, Takafumi claimed back-to-back tournament titles, following his triumph last month.
Ryosuke Omichi (JPN/Tokyo Sparkling Shooters) emerged victorious in the Plate Tournament, marking a triumphant debut appearance. With this impressive performance, Ryosuke is expected to make it past the group stage in the next competition.
Minami-Ashigara City is located in the western part of Kanagawa Prefecture, not far from some of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations, such as Hakone and Odawara.
Until now, the most active clubs in Kanagawa have been based in Yokohama and Yamato, but there are talks of establishing a new club in the upcoming season.
We look forward to seeing the growth and spread of the exciting sport of table football in this area.
Report by JTFA Hideaki Wada